TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed a joint resolution SJR21/AJR167, designating October 11 of each year as the “Day of the Girl” in New Jersey. This joint resolution intends to raise public awareness about the "International Day of the Girl Child" and galvanize the support of New Jersey’s residents and community-based organizations to better girls' lives and provide them with equal opportunities to reach their full potential. The signing of this joint resolution underscores the Murphy Administration’s commitment to ensuring the participation, inclusion, and empowerment of New Jersey’s girls and women in all aspects of society.

“I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and the work we will continue to do to ensure that every girl and young woman knows that her future in New Jersey is limitless,” said Governor Murphy. “It is critical that in our pursuits to eradicate gender-based discrimination, we raise awareness about the many injustices faced by girls around the world. By establishing “Day of the Girl,” we recommit to removing roadblocks and dedicating the necessary resources so that our nation’s future leaders have the tools they need to succeed.”

“It is my core belief that everyone is born with God-given ability, but not everyone is born into a situation where they can fully cultivate their ability. Therefore, initiatives like the ‘Day of the Girl’ are important because they illuminate inequities that exist for girls and empower girls to advocate for equal opportunities, especially in education, so they can reach their full potential,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. “This initiative also encourages girls to take pride in who they are and to dream big because big dreams lead to big achievements.” 

“We are fully committed to ensuring New Jersey is a place where girls and women thrive in every field, from business to athletics, academia, politics, medicine, innovation, and beyond,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “While we have made significant progress in pay equity, representation and inclusion, there is still more work to be done to eliminate gender discrimination. The Day of the Girl is an important opportunity for New Jersey to elevate these issues and continue to move forward in our goal of reaching full gender equality.”

Primary sponsors of SJR21/AJR167 include Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblywoman Yvonne López, as well and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight  

“It is our responsibility to empower and uplift the many girls who live in New Jersey, and we have taken great strides to encourage gender equality in our state,” said Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. “By designating October 11 as ‘Day of the Girl’ in New Jersey, we are dedicating time to recognize girls’ rights and reflect on the unique social, economic and educational challenges they face.”

"International Day of the Girl Child" was established on December 19, 2011, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The resolution, which was co-sponsored by the United States and supported by 97 other countries, recognizes girls' rights and the unique social, economic, and educational challenges girls under the age of 18 encounter around the world.

The resolution calls on the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the day and calling upon public officials, the residents of the State, and other interested groups to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.